A trio of Goulburn born-and-bred riders will showcase their talents at this weekend’s Round 7 of the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK), which will be proudly supported by Goulburn Mulwaree Council.
Recently-appointed One Raceway ambassador Tom Toparis will compete for the Stop and Seal team aboard a Next Generation Ducati in the Supersport races, and is thrilled to be racing at his home circuit.
“I have a lot of fond memories from back in the Wakefield Park days, especially with winning some Supersport races in front of my home crowd - I can’t wait to put on a show for all the local fans,” Toparis said.
“It’s massive to have support from Goulburn Mulwaree Council and from the local community; Steve Shelley has invested an enormous amount into the circuit which brings huge benefits to Goulburn, so it’s nice to see that being recognised at a local government level.
“The Ducati is a new bike for me and there’s still a lot to learn - we had some challenges with the weather in the previous round at Phillip Island, but the forecast for this weekend is looking much more promising - fingers crossed!”
Toparis will be joined by two other Goulburn competitors. In the premier Superbike class will be three-time Australian Superbike Champion Troy Herfoss; the 38-year-old has returned for the final three rounds of this year’s championship after a stint in America, and will compete with the Yamaha Racing Team.
At the other end of the scale, 13-year-old Charlie Nichols is competing in his maiden season of road racing in the Oceania Junior Cup (OJC), a category considered the first rung on the progression ladder for professional motorcycle racers.
Nichols is currently placed 10th in the OJC points (out of 23 riders), despite breaking his wrist in an accident during the opening round of the season, and having to nurse the injury through the next two rounds.
Nichols’ campaign is being supported by some local businesses, including Goulburn Engine Centre, Rock Solid Concreting and Goulburn Power Centre.
One Raceway circuit owner Steve Shelley is thrilled to have Australian motorcycle racing’s premier category returning to the venue.
“The ASBK was our maiden event when we reopened the track last year, so it has a special place in our hearts and we know how important it is to the local economy,” Shelley said.
“Major events like this are a terrific opportunity to showcase Goulburn to national and international audiences, so we’re pleased Goulburn Mulwaree Council are supporting the event.”
Bikes will be on track at One Raceway this Friday for practice, with qualifying and racing on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are available online HERE.
The event schedule is available online HERE.
